The Influence of Perceptual Feedback on Motor Learning: An fMRI Investigation(2/2)

Humans rely on perceptual feedback to guide our effectors and correct errors during the learning of novelmotor skills. Previous studies have found that, after the novel motor skill reached certain performance levelunder learning with feedback, the removal of feedback compromises performance, which even drops to thelevel before learning. This deterioration of performance due to feedback removal has been coined the“guidance effect”. To thoroughly examine how the guidance effect in motor learning is subjected to theinfluence of feedback modality and information type, the current project will carry out behavioral trainingand FMRI experiments. Experiment 1 will compare the learning curves, influence of removing feedback, andthe underlying brain mechanisms of learning novel bimanual coordination when providing continuous visualand auditory feedback to the participants. Experiment 2 will examine the learning of bimanual coordinationwhen discrete visual and auditory feedback is provided. Finally, Experiment 3 will compare the differencesbetween continuous and discrete concurrent audiovisual feedback. By comparing and integrating results fromthe three training and neuroimaging experiments, we will be able to clarify the interaction between feedbackmodality and information type in motor learning. These findings have potentials to be applied in the design oftraining protocols for athletes and rehabilitation plans for the population with motor deficits.